Translation guide
Describes someone or something that looks untidy, worn, or not well cared for. The best Japanese choice depends on what is scruffy: a person's appearance, clothing, an animal, or a place.
Describing a person who looks untidy, with messy hair, unshaven face, or generally disheveled appearance.
A common adjective meaning sloppy, untidy, or unkempt. Often used for personal appearance or habits.
彼はいつもだらしない格好をしている。
He always looks scruffy.
Describes a scruffy, unkempt, or shabby appearance, often with a nuance of being unappealing or dirty. More negative than だらしない.
むさくるしい男が店に入ってきた。
A scruffy-looking man came into the store.
Literally 'slightly dirty', implies a scruffy, grubby appearance. Often used for children or casual situations.
小汚い子供たちが公園で遊んでいた。
Scruffy kids were playing in the park.
Describing clothes, shoes, or fabric that are old, worn out, or shabby.
An onomatopoeic word meaning tattered, worn-out, or falling apart. Often used for clothes or objects.
彼はぼろぼろのジーンズをはいていた。
He was wearing scruffy jeans.
Means tired or worn-out, often used for clothes that look shabby from long use.
くたびれたスーツを着ている。
He's wearing a scruffy suit.
Describing an animal with messy, unkempt fur or feathers.
Describes hair or fur that is messy, unkempt, or sticking out. Commonly used for animals or a person's bedhead.
うちの犬は毛がぼさぼさだ。
Our dog's fur is scruffy.
Refers to shaggy or unkempt fur, often used for dogs or cats. Less common in everyday speech.
あの猫はむく毛でかわいい。
That cat is cute with its scruffy fur.
Describing a building, room, or object that looks neglected, shabby, or in poor condition.
Also used for places or things that look shabby or run-down.
みすぼらしいアパートに住んでいる。
They live in a scruffy apartment.
Describes a place that is desolate, shabby, or run-down, often with a sad or lonely nuance.
うらぶれた商店街を歩いた。
I walked through a scruffy shopping street.
Colloquial adjective meaning shabby, worn-out, or dilapidated. Often used for buildings or objects.
Means shabby, seedy, or poor-looking. Can describe clothing or a person's overall appearance.
みすぼらしいコートを着た老人。
An old man in a scruffy coat.
It's a scruffy car, but it still runs.